NCAA FB

FAU beats Tulane, days after Pelini resignation

BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP)

After a most bizarre week for Florida Atlantic, the Owls rallied
around their new coach and each other.

FAU beat Tulane 34-17 on Saturday, three days since coach Carl
Pelini resigned after admitting to school officials he used illegal
drugs. Defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis also resigned on
Wednesday after admitting drug use.

The Owls (3-6, 3-4 Conference USA) came together under trying
circumstances. Instead of wearing their names on the backs of their
jerseys, they all had FAU.

''Sometimes you need a slap in the face to refocus,'' said
defensive end Andrew Stryffeler, one of FAU's captains. ''This
wasn't exactly what we were looking for, but we really took the
opportunity to step it up this week.''

''It felt awesome,'' Wright said of the victory. I've been
auditioning for 18 years for this opportunity.''

FAU athletic director Patrick Chun said during halftime he
wouldn't be discussing the search for a new head coach until he
names that new coach. Chun, however, did say Wright will be
considered for the position, saying, ''He's absolutely a candidate
for the job.''

It was FAU's defense that delivered for the team on Saturday
night. The Owls held Tulane (6-3, 4-1) to 167 yards, 105
passing.

The Owls had interceptions on four straight possessions, three
by D'Joun Smith, who now leads the nation with seven
interceptions.

''We weren't going to give up on nothing,'' Smith said. ''I was
just happy to have an opportunity to make plays.''

The game was tied at 17 going into the fourth quarter, and then
the Owls took control.

Mitch Anderson kicked a field goal at 14:50 for a 20-17 lead.
Damian Fortner followed with a 24-yard touchdown run at 12:06.

Jaquez Johnson capped off the Owls win with a 49-yard rush
touchdown - his eight rushing touchdown of the season - with 4:46
remaining.

Tulane's most impressive moment in the game came in the first
quarter when Lorenzo Doss put the Green Wave on the scoreboard
first with a 69-yard return interception at 11:05.

The win keeps FAU in bowl contention with three games remaining:
against winless Southern Miss, one-win New Mexico State, and FAU's
struggling rival, FIU.

Related Stories

Member Comments

Please note by clicking on "Post comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be Polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.